Feeling Fallish? The Cynthia Rowley Simplicity Dress #2054

Wow! It's been so long since I reviewed a pattern.  I bet you thought I forgot to sew!  Hardly, my friends - things have been hectic but I have been sewing pieces and forgetting to photograph them.  Thankfully, my hubby is on hand to make sure he captures each and every masterpiece :). (Thanks Babe!)

I spotted this fabric in JoAnn's quite a while ago and have been lusting over it ever since (imagine that!). It wasn't until the bargain fabrics - yes, I am the one that shops on that rack because it's stuff that is usually somewhat unsual and just waiting for someone like me to scoop it up - went an extra 50% off!  Needless to say, I had this pattern in mind when I bought it.

 

I am in LOVE with Cynthia Rowley patterns! If all are as easy as the Simplicity Cynthia Rowley #2054 pattern, I should have an overflowing closet very shortly!

Fabric: 1 5/8 yd - Angora mix from JoAnn's Red Tag bargain fabrics.

Notions: Thread - that is it!! Oh how easy it was!

Time to Complete: Less than an hr and 15 minutes.

Machines Used: I primarily used the serger since the material was a knit and I wanted to maximize my stretch without compromising the seams. However, I did serge the edges of the sleeves and hem and then actually hem them with the sewing machine. 

Alterations Made to the Pattern:  Absolutely none! Beware though... this pattern is not form fitting - hence the belt! It's super cute and super easy but if you are looking for something structured, you may want to add some darts and a zipper.
 

Yeah/Nay: I will definitely make this again. It would have been quite easy to alter the pattern for cap sleeves or even a sleeveless dress.  The cowl-neck piece is quite intriguing to me and I just may try it if I come across the right fabric.  I hate to say it, but I don't think that I will be trying the version with the tiny arm slits- I wear sleeves to be warm!

 

Photo property of Simplicity Sewing Group

(That's Astro! He was my date that day!)

What do you think? Have you seen any fabric that you think may work well for this pattern?

Happy Stitching!

Tiffany

Sewing Steals: Cyber Monday Baby!

What's almost as good as your next finished garment?  Getting your materials for insanely low prices!  Here is where to start:

Patterns:
The McCall's Companies are running pattern specials today (11/28) through Wednesday (11/30) ONLY:
  $1.99 McCall's Patterns
  $1.99 Butterick Patterns
  $3.99 Vogue Patterns

Fabric:
BritexFabrics.com - ONLINE ONLY - Cyber Monday Sales (Through Monday at Midnight PST)
All online fabric 20% off!
Fabric.com - ONLINE ONLY - Cyber Monday Sale
$1.00/yd Fabric Specials
$1.95/yd Fabric Specials
Hancock Fabrics - ONLINE ONLY - After Thanksgiving Savings Sale
50% off selected fashion fabrics: Wool and Wool Blends, Polyester Prints and Solids, Entire Stock of Fur, Novelty and Woven Micro Suedes, Corduroy Prints and Solids, Fall Suitings, Stretch Velvet, and Crushed Panne Velour
50% off Fireside Anti-Pill Fleece Solids and Prints and Licensed Celebrity Fleece Prints
40% off Tie Dye Fleece Blenders and Royalty Broadcloth
30% off Special Occassion Fabric, Illusion Tulle and Nylon Net
$2.49/yd Craft Felt
*** FREE shipping offer on orders over $35 ***
Joann Fabric and Crafts - ONLINE ONLY - Not too much for the sewist - more for the crafter, but bargains are to be had!
60% off selected apparel fabrics
50% off Casa Collection special occassion fabrics
40% off bulk fabrics and batting
$1.99/yd Cozy Flannel Solids and Snuggle Flannel Prints
$2.99/yd Blizzard Fleece Prints and Solids
*** FREE shipping offer as well! ***

Accessories:
Fabric.com - ONLINE ONLY - Cyber Monday Sale
15% off Dress Forms and Cutting Tools and Mats
10% off Brother Sewing Machines and Accessories
Hancock Fabrics - ONLINE ONLY - After Thanksgiving Savings Sale
$99.99 ea Select Dress Forms
$9.99 ea Select June Tailor Thread Racks

Let me know what you get!  Good luck!
Tiffany

Fabric Frolics - Hi-Fashion Fabrics - Sacramento, CA

It's quite obvious by now that I sought out all of the fabric stores I could find and that I thought would have interesting apparel fabric on our trip last week. (Hey, a girl has to have something to do while the hubby is off working, right?) On my online search, I stumbled across a little store in the middle of a not-so-fabulous area in Sacramento, CA - Hi-Fashion Fabrics. Hi-Fashion Fabrics reminds me quite a bit of Gail K. Fabrics here in Atlanta, although it didn't have quite the amount of merchandise, thus it was a little easier to navigate and find fabric types.

I am not sure where they secure their fabrics or notions, but one thing I noticed about this store - PRICE! It was absolutely amazing!  I was so inspired by their selection of fabrics and the amount of different patterns and prints they offered and how reasonably priced it all was. They had silks of good quality for less than $15 per yard! Unlike some of the more well known stores, I didn't see any high fashion designers like Armani or Missoni (like I had at Britex Fabrics in San Francisco), but I kind of appreciated that. I like for my projects to be unique - it doesn't matter if they are made with designer fabrics!

This store is worth a trip, even if you just buy notions. Many zippers, including invisible zippers are $1 each.  (Shop their sale table and snag zippers for $0.20 each!) They have unique trims and ribbons that I hadn't seen before for reasonable prices per yard as well. Buttons can be purchased at 10 for $1 as well!

There were so many choices, that I left with three remnants - didn't go searching, it just so happened I fell in love with them!

Top: Printed Satin - 97% Poly, 3% Lycra - 60" Wide - 2.33 yds - $8.15 total

Middle: Knit Lace - 100% Poly - 60" Wide - 2 yds - $1.98 total (AWESOME!)

Bottom: Burn-out Knit - Rayon, Lycra - 60" Wide - 2 yds - $6.99 total

A few things you may want to know - 1. It is definitely an apparel fabric store although they do offer a small selection of cotton quilting prints, as well as some home decor fabric. 2. Parking is also pretty scarce - get their early to secure yourself a spot. 3. Oh and for your comfort - it's kind of chilly in the store - they hadn't turned on the heat yet and my guess is it was about 65 degrees in the store when I got in.  You may want to bring a coat or at least a cardigan.

I have plans for the Knit Lace and the Burn-out Knit, but I am still wavering on what to do with the Printed Satin. Any ideas or suggestions?

Fabric Frolics - Hancock Fabrics - Sacramento, CA

I don't normally review chain fabric stores, but since I was in Sacramento, CA this past week and due to Hancock Fabrics AMAZING Veteran's Day sale, I thought that I would show you what I came home with in my luggage and shed some insight to their store.

Now, for the review... this had to be one of the best Hancock Fabrics stores that I have stepped foot in, in a really long time!  The selection was phenomenal!  The store seemed to cater to apparel sewers, as all of the apparel fabric was located in the middle of the store, accessible as soon as you walk in.  Like all Hancock Fabrics stores, it was easy to maneuver and the fabric was well displayed and clearly marked with prices, fabric contents, width of fabric, etc.

What really blew me away about this store was not their fabric selection, but their employees!  They were so friendly, I felt like I walked into the twilight zone. At other chains, who will remain nameless, cutting table clerks are often anxious or annoyed if you have more than one item to cut.  Not so much here in Sacramento! One lady had about 30 different fabrics she wanted cut (did I mention their sale was awesome?) and the cutting clerk didn't even bat an eye. She chatted merrily with the lady as the cut and made sure all of the yardages were properly cut.  What a breath of fresh air! During my turn at the cutting table, my clerk gushed over how much she loved the fabric and asked what I was going to do with it. It was really nice to have someone 1, reassure your purchase and 2, actually feel like they had an interest in what you were doing.

Once I made my way to the checkout counter, the employee working the register was incredibly patient and pleasant. She made sure to speak to each customer and sounded genuinely happy to see everyone. She was even really nice and rang up my purchase with an extra 10% off coupon! I love good customer service that is pleasant and not obtrusive!

That being said, I highly recommend the Sacramento Hancock Fabrics store!

This is what I bought... I could have spent at least $100 on fabric, but unfortunately (or fortunately for my husband) I didn't have any room in my suitcase left!

Inspiration:

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2012 Short Sleeve Dress

{photo used from ECJ Fashion blog}

The Pattern: BurdaStyle Magazine's Dress with Peter Pan Collar

What do you think?  Have you visited this store and had a similar or different experience?

Fabric Frolics - Britex Fabrics - San Francisco, CA

Ahhh!  The west coast mecca of fabric!  Can I make the comparison that Britex Fabrics is to San Francisco as to Mood Fabrics is to New York? Maybe...

It just so happened (and no, I didn't plan it - it really just so happened) that our hotel was 1 1/2 blocks from the famous Britex Fabrics on Geary Street in Union Square in San Francisco.  4 floors of fabric, notions, trims, laces and ribbons to suit even the pickiest of shoppers, right at my finger tips!  Here is the break down of floors:
 Floor 1 - Wools, Imported Laces and Silks
 Floor 2 - Cottons, Linens, Synthetics and Home Decor Fabrics
 Floor 3 - Notions, Notions, Notions!!  Buttons Galore, ooh my my! Trims, Ribbons, Patterns, Books, Clasps, Zippers, anything you need as far as accessories!
 Floor 4 - Remnants (My style because they are much cheaper to buy than the regular priced floors), Utility Fabrics and Athletic Fabrics

I ended up arriving there about 30 minutes after they opened so the staff was still settling into their roles for the day, replenishing fabrics, tagging and chatting with each other about their nights. This did not lead to a lack of willingness to help on their part however.  Each floor I visited, each section, someone asked me if they could help me.  To be honest, it was a little too much customer service, but it's better than receiving no help at all!

As I surveyed the fabrics, I realized that their prices were a bit high, although they have great brands of fabrics, including Missoni prints and Armani wools. Each category and fabric type is clearly marked and stretched neatly onto a Britex Fabrics cardboard spool. Pricing is also clearly visible and easy to understand.

I poked around a bit on the first and second floors before deciding that the fabrics were a little above what I wanted to spend without having specific projects in mind.  Eventually, I made my way to the third floor to visit the wall of buttons and take it all in.  It was amazing! The buttons are easily visible and super easy to shop. They have a great selection of vintage pieces, as well as current. I made my way over to the book rack and quickly found their selection of Burda Style Magazines. Since I don't own any (gasp!), I bought the most current issue for $12.95 and the October 2011 issue for $10.95. Yippee!  Note, you must pay for all notions on the third floor - a minor inconvenience if you have fabric that you are paying for as well.  Two charges on your credit card - not a big deal though.

The fourth floor, also known as the remnant floor was awesome! I had been searching for a heavier, almost a ponte knit type fabric in a fabulous color.  Lo and behold, I found it!  The sales clerk quickly wrote up my invoice for the knit, which is Rayon, Nylon and Lycra, and was originally $18.99 a yard, now marked down to $12.30 a yard. 1.33 yards was mine for the bargain price of $15.99!  I trekked down to the first floor, paid for my purchase and off I went!

Here's what I bought!  Luckily it fit in my suitcase.  If it hadn't, or if you happen to go off on a shopping frenzy, the sales clerk said that Britex is happy to ship any fabrics you purchase in store and will not charge you taxes - you must still pay for shipping.

The extent of my purchases.

A close up of the fabulous knit from Britex

Now... I need your help!  I have this wonderful knit, but I'm not quite sure what to make with it.  I would like to make a dress... have any ideas or patterns you could suggest?

Sewing Steals: Week of 11/6/2011 - 11/12/2011

Sewing Steals week of 11/6/2011 - 11/12/2011

Patterns:
11/6-11/11: VETERAN'S DAY SALE Hancock Fabrics
$.99 Butterick Patterns
$.99 McCall's Patterns
11/6-11/12: Hobby Lobby
$1.99 Simplicity Patterns
11/6-11/12: VETERAN'S DAY SALE JoAnn Fabric and Craft

$1 Simplicity Patterns

Fabric:

11/6-11/11: VETERAN'S DAY SALE Hancock Fabrics
60% off Entire Stock Christmas Fabric
50% off Entire Stock Duck Collection, Entire Stock Absoltely Cotton Quilting Prints, Fleece: Northern Lights Glacier Fleece Solids, Licensed Celebrity Fleece Prints, Licensed College, NFL and MLB Prints, College Fleece Panels
11/6-11/12: REGULAR Hancock Fabrics

60% off Harvest Prints
50% off Fall Suiting Fabrics, Butter Suede Solids, Moleskin Stretch Suede, Suede Solids, Novelty Suede, Woven Microsuede, Poly Interlock Solids, Polyester Prints and Solids, Tissue Lame, Glitter Organza, Stretch Satin Classics and Entire Stock Christmas Fabrics
40% off Corduroy Solids and Novelty, Matte Jersey Knit Solids, Wool and Wool Blends, Velveteen, Entire Stock Stretch Velvet, Monece Satin Solids, Bridal Satin, Crushed Panne Velour, American Knit Sequins, Entire Stock Fur
30% off Special Occassion Fabrics, Fashion Brocade, Tulle, Illusion, Netting, Dress Velvets, Lining, Jersey Mesh, Outerwear Fabrics, Entire Stock Muslin
11/6-11/12: Hobby Lobby
30% off Fall Apparel Fabrics, Calico Prints and Solids, Fleece
11/6-11/12: VETERAN'S DAY SALE JoAnn Fabric and Craft

50% off Symphony Broadcloth, ALL Red Tag Fabrics
40% off Brocades and Sari Fabrics
30% off All Sew Essentials Muslin, Premium & Artist Brands Quilting Fabrics
$2.99/yd Cozy Flannel Solids
$4.99/yd Anti-Pill Fleece Solids
11/6-11/12: REGULAR JoAnn Fabric and Craft

50% off Velboa Prints & Solids, Blizzard Fleece Prints, Anti-Pill Fleece Prints, Entire Stock 54" Home Dec Fabric
40% off Crushed Panne Solids & Taffeta, Polyester Shantung & Silk Dupioni, Soft & Comfy Fabrics, Ultra Cuddle Fabrics, Autumn Inspirations Harvest Fabrics, Holiday Inspirations Christmas Fabrics
30% off Keepsake Calico Prints, Nursery Prints & Panels, Specialty Quilting Fabrics, Novelty Cotton Prints & Panels, Team Shop Fabrics & Knits, Sweatshirt Fleece
$3 off per yard - All Fashion Suitings, Bottomweights, Knits, Corduroy Prints, Embroideries, Juvenille Apparel Fabrics, Suedecloth Prints & Embroideries, Simply Silky Prints & Solids, Abstractions & Plaiditudes Fabric Collections, April Johnson for Project Runway (Yippee!!!) Lisette & Little Lisette Fabrics, Crepe-Back Satin, Crepon Sheer
$14.99 yd Waverly (TM) Modern Essentials 54" Home Decor Fabrics (This is super cute fabric!)

Notions/Accessories:

11/6-11/11: VETERAN'S DAY SALE Hancock Fabrics
50% off Entire Stock Lace and Trim by the yard
40% off Entire Stock Sewing Machine Needles
11/6-11/12: REGULAR Hancock Fabrics

50% off Entire Stock Harvest Ribbons, Tulle and Trims
40% off Entire Stock Ott Lighting, Sewing Baskets and Rolling Totes, Entire Stock Christmas Ribbon, Tulle and Trims
30% off Entire Stock Scissors, Olfa Cutters and Blades, Quilting Rulers, Sulky Threads and Accessories, Packaged Tapes and Braid, Fabric Fusion, Entire Stock Appliques
11/6-11/12: Hobby Lobby
50% off Sewology Notions
11/6-11/12: VETERAN'S DAY SALE JoAnn Fabric and Craft

50% off Notions Wall
40% off Sewing Baskets and Pin Cushions
11/6-11/12: REGULAR JoAnn Fabric and Craft
40% off Sewing & Crafting Tables & 36" x 59" Cutting Mat

Buy 2, Get 1 Free Favorite Findings Christmas Buttons
15.99 ea Olfa 45mm Quick Change Rotary Cutter or 5-Pk 45mm Rotary Blades

Additional Coupons:
11/11 ONLY! Extra 10% off Early Bird Purchase at Hancock Fabrics
Through 11/6 - Joann's 25% off your total purchase, including regular and sale-priced merchandise!!!

Check out the ads for yourself - there may be something that I missed!  Hancock Fabrics, Hobby Lobby and JoAnn Fabric and Craft.

Happy Sewing (and Shopping)!
Tiffany

Get Ready to Jet Set with the Lingerie Travel Bag FREE Pattern!

For some time now, i have been wrestling with finding my lingerie in my suitcase once I get to my destination...  I will admit it - I am perfectly happy to "live" out of my suitcase for a few days - I am NOT an unpacker! 

I have set out to fix this problem with my new Lingerie Travel Bag FREE Pattern!  Go ahead, try it!

Download the pattern and instructions now!

Good luck! Oh, and let me know how yours turns out! I can't wait to see it!

Tiffany